MANILA, Philippines – Among their long list of remarkable attributes, speed is one trait that defines both Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ironically, in a competition that has been described as a ?speed sport,? it is a commodity only a few enjoy.
Both Pacquiao and Mayweather are regarded as two of the fastest boxers ever. They boast of their ability to get punches off ahead of their opponents and are the two most difficult pugilist to hit.
However, they define the quality of speed quite differently.
Mayweather has impeccable timing
Floyd Mayweather Jr. has perfected 3 skills that no few other boxers have been able to do as well.
He reads his opponents very well.
Mayweather seems to know what punch will be thrown to him even before his opponent does. By doing so, he has made many of his opponents look like neophytes. Boxers like Oscar de la Hoya, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley and Diego Corrales have been toyed around with by Mayweather leaving them hitting nothing but air.
His defensive stance sets up his counter punches.
Many have talked about the shoulder roll defensive stance of Floyd. Most don?t see though that this sets up his offense. As Mayweather continuously roll with his opponent?s punches, he creates a rhythmic movement that gives him openings to throw punches as he rolls back into position. His right hand lead has more often than not been used as his first punch that leads to a flurry as much as his left hand jab does.
Considered to be a primarily defensive fighter, Mayweather leverages on his mastery of this defensive stance to launch his vaunted offense.
Mayweather picks his punches very well
Mayweather does not throw a lot of punches, but boast of an above average 42% connection to punches thrown ratio. He leverages from the fact that he is able to dodge and parry punches allowing him to launch effective counter attacks.
Pacquiao is simply fast
Manny Pacquiao is visibly fast. His speed is made more pronounced by how relentless he attacks, made more effective by the volume of punches he throws.
Pacquiao gives a new meaning to the word speed. He darts in and out using the agility generated from his legs. This forces his opponents to be always on the defensive allowing him to set up his offense.
Pacquiao is one of the most exciting boxers one can watch because he always comes out to fight. His offense is anchored on his commitment to throw punches and exchange.
Although his efficiency rating is at a low 34%, Pacquiao throws an average of 69 punches per round and connects with about 24 punches, most of which are power punches. To make matters worse for his opponents, the fighting congressman can throw 6 to 7 punches in succession in a blink of an eye.
Cotto, Margarito and de la Hoya were all blinded by Pacquiao?s blistering speed. All 3 fighters were naturally bigger than the Filipino. Pacquiao being lighter and smaller and blessed with lighting fast hands pummeled these heavy hitters much like David brought down Goliath. They were all beaten up to a pulp until they realized they had nothing to solve the quickness of Pacquiao.
Quickness will determine the outcome
Although defined differently by Mayweather and Pacquiao, speed remains to be a trait they both share. Whoever uses it correctly on fight day will walk away victorious. Both have to be in tip-top shape to beat the other. It will be an interesting meeting of two different styles. It is advised that no one blinks, you might just miss the good part. – Rappler.com
